Attachable tow handle pocket for garment

ABSTRACT

A load-bearing garment, such as a vest, is provided having stretchable web platform on an outside surface, such as between front and back panels of the vest. The stretchable web platform includes stretchable bands that extend horizontally, and vertical webbing extending between multiple horizontal bands. Additional embodiments are directed to a mounting system in a plate carrier for a plate. Still further embodiments are directed to a handle and strap system for a vest or other garment that permits a quick rescue of a person wearing the vest.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/951,986 (Attorney Docket No. 93168-893506(003300US)), filed on Mar. 12, 2014, the full disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) is load-bearingequipment and rucksacks utilized by the United States armed forces. TheMOLLE system is modular and permits the attachment of variousMOLLE-compatible accessories, such as holsters, magazine pouches, radiopouches, knife sheathes, and other gear to MOLLE compatible load-bearinggarments, such as vests, backpacks, and jackets.

The MOLLE system's modularity is derived from the use web platforms onload-bearing garments. For example, PALS (Pouch Attachment LadderSystem) web platforms can be included on the load-bearing garments. PALSwebbing includes rows of heavy-duty nylon stitched onto the vest orother load-bearing garment so as to allow for attachment of MOLLEaccessories.

PALS webbing is attached to load-bearing garments in a grid structure.The PALS grid consists of horizontal rows of 1 inch nylon webbing (mostcommercial vendors use Type Ma), spaced 1 inch apart, and reattached,typically via stitching, to the backing at 1.5 inch intervals. Thisconsistent reattachment forms, for each strap, a series of upwardly anddownwardly opened loops. The loops for adjacent straps are aligned sothat a series of loops are stacked one on top of each other. Thispattern provides secure and stable attachment for MOLLE accessories.

The following references may be relevant to this technology: U.S.Published Patent application number 2012/0180189 and U.S. Pat. No.7,917,968.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of theinvention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with embodiments, a load-bearing garment, such as a vest,is provided having stretchable web platform on an outside surface, suchas between front and back panels of the vest. The stretchable webplatform includes stretchable bands that extend horizontally, andvertical webbing extending between multiple horizontal bands.

The stretchable bands can be, for example, elastic sleeves that fitwithin tube webbing, and pull the tube webbing inward.

Gear can be attached either to the horizontal bands or the verticalwebbing. The gear can be, for example, MOLLE compatible gear.

Additional embodiments are directed to a mounting system in a platecarrier for a plate. The mounting system includes two sets of straps,such as webbing, with hook and loop material. The straps can beconnected at different points along their length so that plates ofvarious sizes can be accommodated. For each set, one strap extends underthe plate and one strap extends around a lower side edge of the plate.The ends are connected by the hook and loop materials. Pulling the endstaunt permits the plate to be firmly held in position, regardless ofplate size.

Still further embodiments are directed to a handle and strap system fora vest or other garment that permits a quick rescue of a person wearingthe vest. A handle is attached to a strap and is usually accessible froman outside of the vest, for example just below the back of the base ofthe neck. The strap can be mounted in a pocket or sleeve in this storageconfiguration. The handle can be grasped and pulled outward, releasedfor example from hook and loop closures. The strap is pulled outward,but is anchored at a distal end to the vest.

When the handle is pulled out and the strap is pulled taut, the handlecan be used to pull and/or drag the wearer of the vest to a safelocation. Once used, the strap can be stored again in its sleeve, andthe handle can be reattached, if attachments are provided. In someembodiments, the sleeve is part of a separate component attachable tothe garment, for example by webbing or other connectors for attachingMOLLE-compatible gear.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed descriptionand accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure will bedescribed with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side, perspective view of a vest incorporating stretchableweb platform in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of stretchable web platform inaccordance with embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a side assembled view of the stretchable web platform of FIG.2.

FIG. 4 is a side view, similar to FIG. 3, of the stretchable webplatform of FIG. 2, showing vertical mount options for the stretchableweb platform.

FIG. 5 is a side view, similar to FIG. 4, of the stretchable webplatform of FIG. 2, showing horizontal mount options for the stretchableweb platform.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plate carrier vest having a handle andstrap system, with the system in a stored configuration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 6, of the plate carriervest with the handle and strap system in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a front panel of a plate carrier vest showing aplate carrier retention system in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 9 is partial cutaway rear view of the front panel of the platecarrier vest of FIG. 8, with the plate carrier retention system partlydetached.

FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway rear view, similar to FIG. 9, with theplate carrier retention system partly attached around a smaller plate.

FIG. 11 is a rear view, similar to FIG. 8, with the plate of FIG. 10mounted in the plate carrier vest.

FIG. 12 is a front view of an attachable pouch for a handle and strapsystem, with the handle and strap system in a deployed configuration, inaccordance with embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a front view, similar to FIG. 12, of the attachable pouchwith the handle and strap system in a stored configuration, inaccordance with embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the attachable pouch of FIG. 12 showingMOLLE-compatible attachment members, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the attachable pouch of FIG. 14 showing theMOLLE-compatible attachment members coupling the attachable pouch to agarment, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a front view of an unassembled and laid flat handle of thehandle and strap system, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of an unassembled and laid flat handle of thehandle and strap system of FIG. 16, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating, from a side view, an example of aninternal construction of the handle and strap system of FIGS. 12-17, inaccordance with embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the presentinvention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specificconfigurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may beomitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment beingdescribed.

Embodiments herein are directed to tow handle pouches attachable tovests or other garments. This disclosure additionally includes adescription of a stretchable web platform exposed for the attachment ofgear (FIGS. 1 to 5), a handle and strap system integrated into a vest orother garment that permits a quick rescue of a person wearing the vest(FIGS. 6-7), and a mounting system in a plate carrier (FIGS. 8-11),which are described and claimed in U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/094,583, entitled “GARMENT WITH CARRYINGSYSTEM,” filed Dec. 2, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 93168-888229), whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/732,165(Attorney Docket No. 93168-831642 (001200US)), filed on Nov. 30, 2012,the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

In accordance with embodiments, a jacket or vest or other garment isprovided having a stretchable web platform exposed for the attachment ofgear, such as MOLLE compatible gear. In embodiments, the stretchable webplatform can support gear hung either vertically or horizontally.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a vest 20 is shownhaving a front panel 22 and a rear panel 24. A shoulder yoke 25 attachesto the tops of the front and rear panels 22, 24 and connects the twopanels. A stretchable web platform 26 extends between a bottom portionof the front panel 22 and the rear panel 24. Specifically, in FIG. 1,the stretchable web platform 26 extends between lower side edges of thefront and rear panels. A separate stretchable web platform 26 ispositioned on each side of the vest 20, although only the left side isshown in FIG. 1. Webbing material 27 extends from the stretchable webplatform 26 and across the front the front panel 22 and the rear (notshown) of the rear panel 24. Thus, the stretchable web platform 26 oneach side of the vest 20 and the webbing material 27 on the front andrear panels 22, 24 circumscribe the bottom of the vest. The stretchableweb platform 26 permits some elasticity to the connection between thefront and rear panels 22, 24, providing a more snug fit of the vestwithout the vest being too tight.

Although shown as attached between the front and rear panels 22, 24, thestretchable web platform 26 can be attached to other locations, such asacross the front or inside either of the panels 22, 24 of the vest 20.To this end, the stretchable web platform 26 can extend over any portionof the outside of the vest 20, or can overlap portions of the inside ofthe vest. The stretchable web platform 26 can also be mounted on othergarments, such as a jacket or pants, or could be used with manydifferent items, including backpacks. The stretchable web platform hasparticular application, however, to installations where both (1) stretchand elasticity and (2) attachment of gear are desired at the samelocation.

Details of the stretchable web platform 26 are shown in the explodedperspective view of FIG. 2. The stretchable web platform 26 includes aplurality (e.g., more than two) horizontally-aligned webbing tubes 28.The webbing tubes 28 can be, for example, 1.0 inch tubes of webbing.

Strips 30 of elastic material are inserted in the webbing tubes 28. Theelastic strips 30 can be elastic webbing or other material that isstretchable and has a memory to return to its initial shape afterstretching. The elastic can be made of rubber or an imitative rubbersynthetic material, as examples.

The elastic strips 30 are shorter in length than the webbing tubes 28.In embodiments, the elastic strips 30 are ⅔ the length of the webbingtubes 28. As shown in FIG. 3, the ends of the elastic strips 30 are sewnat sew lines 31 to ends of the webbing tubes 28. Sewing the elasticstrips 30 to the ends of the webbing tubes 28 causes the webbing tubesto compress and fold to the length of the elastic straps. The webbingtubes 28 can include a number of folds or wrinkles during thiscompression.

The compressed webbing tubes 28 and the elastic strips 30, once sewntogether, provide a stable structure to which gear, such as MOLLEcompatible gear, can be attached. The outer webbing tubes 28 provide asurface that is similar to regular webbing, and thus is suitable for theattachment of gear. The compressed/folded/wrinkled configuration of theweb tubing 28, along with the elastic strips 30, permits the overallstructure of the stretchable web platform 26 to be stretchable in ahorizontal direction, allowing the vest 20 to fit snugly, but not tootightly, against a wearer, and to adjust to movements of a wearer,adding to comfort to the wearer.

Vertical webbing 32 (FIG. 2) can be attached between multiple webbingtubes 28. The vertical webbing 32 can be any width, but in embodimentsis 0.25 inch webbing. The vertical webbing 32 is sewn to the web tubing28, and can also be sewn through the web tubing to the elastic strips30. In embodiments, however, the vertical webbing 32 is sewn only to theweb tubing 28, allowing the elastic strips 30 to freely move within theweb tubing 28.

As shown in FIG. 4, the stretchable web platform 26 can receive andsupport gear, such as MOLLE compatible gear, mounted vertically, asshown by the arrows 40. The gear mounts down over one or two of thehorizontally aligned web tubings 28. The gear can attach, for example,between vertical webbings 32 or on opposite sides of a vertical webbing.

As shown in FIG. 5, the stretchable web platform 26 can also receive andsupport gear, such as MOLLE compatible gear, mounted horizontally, asshown by the arrows 42. The gear mounts sideways, attached to one ormore of the vertical webbings 32. The gear can attach, for example,between adjacent horizontally aligned web tubings 28 or on oppositesides of a horizontally aligned web tubing.

FIG. 6 shows another feature that can be provided for the vest 20. InFIG. 6, a handle and strap system 48 is shown mounted on the rear of thevest 20. The handle and strap system 48 permits a quick rescue of aperson wearing the vest or other garment. Briefly described, the handleand strap system 48 is mounted in a storage position against and/orwithin the vest 20 (FIG. 6), and can be pulled outward to a deployedposition where it can be used to drag a wearer of the vest to a safelocation (FIG. 7). A handle 50 is attached to a strap 52 and mounted ina storage configuration where the handle is accessible from an outsideof the vest, for example just below the back of the base of the neck.

In the storage position, fasteners or other connectors, such as hook andloop closures 54, 56, can be used to hold the handle 50 in position.Hook and loop closures 54, 56 work well to connect the handle 50,because the closures 54, 56 can be released and the handle 50 and strap52 deployed using a single movement (i.e., pulling outward on thehandle). However, other closures can be used, or the handle can be heldin position by gravity and/or retention of the strap 52. Closures couldalso or alternatively be used to retain the strap 52.

In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the handle 50 is formed of aloop of webbing. The strap 52 is attached to one position on the loop,and the closures 54 are positioned on opposite sides of the strapattachment. The closures 54 connect to closures 56 when the handle is inthe storage position.

In embodiments, the strap 52 is positioned in a sleeve 58 or otherpocket while the handle and strap system 48 is in the storageconfiguration. The sleeve 58 permits the strap 52 to be out of the waywhile the handle and strap system 48 is in the storage position, buteasily deployed when needed. The sleeve 58 shown in the drawings extendsin a direction of deployment so that the sleeve does not hinderdeployment. A distal end of the strap 52 is anchored to the vest 20, forexample at the opening of the sleeve 58.

In use, when a wearer of the vest 20 is to be rescued, the wearer isextended in a prone position, and the rescuer grasps the handle andpulls outward in a direction, first releasing the hook and loop closures54, 56, and then pulling the strap 52 from the sleeve 58. The strap 52is pulled taut against its anchor at an opening of the sleeve 58, suchas is shown in FIG. 7. Continued pulling on the handle 50 permits therescuer to drag the wearer to safety. The vest 20 retains the wearerduring this rescue, and the strap can readily take advantage of the factthat the wearer is fully connected.

Once used, the strap 52 can be stored again in its sleeve 58, and thehandle 50 can be reattached via the hook and loop closures 54, 56.

FIGS. 12-18 show a similar, yet distinct, handle and strap system 148.In FIG. 12, a handle and strap system 148 is shown mounted on a pouch160. Briefly described, the pouch 160 can be releasably attached to agarment to equip the garment with a handle and strap system 148 withfunctions similar to the handle and strap system 48 described above withreference to FIGS. 6-7. In general, features in FIGS. 12-18 that areidentified with reference numbers that share the final two trailingdigits as reference numbers used to identify features in FIGS. 6-7 mayshare common names and functions as those corresponding features inFIGS. 6-7. However, such similar features are not limited to thepreviously described configurations or functions and may includealterations that provide additional or alternative functions and/orconfigurations, including those further described herein.

In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the strap 152 can include areinforced section 162 and a flexible section 164. For example, thereinforced section 162 may include more layers of webbing stitchedtogether or a thicker webbing than the flexible section 164. In someaspects, a support board or other reinforcing member is internallydisposed in the reinforced section 162. The reinforced section 162 maybe semi-rigid and/or more rigid than the flexible section 164. Theflexible section 164 can provide slack for the strap 152 to bend orcontort, which can provide a wide range of angles at which a person maybe towed using the strap 152. The reinforced section 162 can providerigidity to a portion of the strap 152 to facilitate insertion of thestrap 152 into the sleeve 158. For example, an end of the reinforcedsection 162 distal to the handle 150 can be aligned easily with andinserted into the opening of the sleeve 158. A subsequent simple fluidmotion of pushing along the length of the reinforced section 162 from aposition proximate the handle 150 can cause the strap 152 to slide fullyinto the sleeve 158 and the stored position depicted in FIG. 13. Theflexible section 164 can bend as the reinforced section 162 is insertedinto the opening of the sleeve 158. As the reinforced section 162 isslid into the sleeve 158, the flexible section 164 can be consequentlypulled into the sleeve 158. In this manner, the strap 152 can be doubledon top of itself as it is stowed, thereby providing an efficient use ofspace in the sleeve 158.

As best seen in FIG. 14, a rear side of the pouch 160 can includeattachment features for connecting to MOLLE-compatible garments. Forexample, in the embodiments shown in the drawings, the pouch can includea plurality of loops 166 and one or more attachment members 168. Theloops 166 can be formed by strips of webbing sewn at regular intervalsto the pouch 160. The loops 166 may be arranged in a pattern to alignwith a MOLLE-compatible support structure mounted on a vest 20 or othergarment. Non-limiting examples of the attachment members 168 includesections of webbing (which in some cases may be made semi-rigid bystitching), rods sized to fit through the MOLLE-compatible supportstructure, and cords.

To install the pouch 160, the attachment members 168 can be wovenalternatingly through the loops 166 and the support structure to jointhe pouch 160 to the garment. A first fixture 165 mounted on the pouch160 can engage with a second fixture 167 mounted on the attachmentmember 168 to further secure the attachment member 168 in place. Forexample, the first and second fixtures 165 and 167 may include matingsides of a snap fastener (e.g., shown detached from one another in afirst set on a left side of FIG. 14 and shown attached to one another ina second set on a right side of FIG. 14). Other types of first andsecond fixtures 165 and 167 can be used, including, but not limited to,hook and loop fasteners. Securing a leading end of the attachment member168 in such a manner can decrease a risk of the attachment member 168becoming jostled free during use of the handle and strap system 148.

In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, a guide 163 is also providedon the pouch 160 at an end opposite the first fixture 165. For example,the guide 163 is shown at a proximal end of the pouch 160, and the firstfixture 165 is shown at a distal end of the pouch 160. The guide 163 canalign the attachment member 168 during installation into the arrangementof loops 166 and MOLLE-compatible support structure. The guide 163 mayalso provide an additional constraint to secure the attachment member168 to the pouch 160. Securing the attachment member 168 to the pouch160 can reduce the risk of the attachment member 168 coming free of thepouch 160 during use and/or the risk of the attachment member 168 beingmisplaced when the pouch 160 is not attached to a garment. For example,the guide 163 may have a cross-section sized to allow movement of theattachment member 168 through the guide 163 and to prevent either end ofthe attachment member 168 from easily passing through the guide 163.Although the guide 168 is shown in FIG. 14 as a rectangular plastic ringsized to prevent passage there through of a snap (i.e., the firstfixture 165), any other suitable shape and/or material may also be used.Arrangements may also differ from that depicted (e.g., the pouch 160 mayinclude a snap or other first fixture 165 at the proximal end and theguide 163 at the distal end).

In some embodiments, the first fixture 165 is mounted on the pouch 160by a tab 169. The tab 169 may include a piece of webbing or fabricattached to the pouch 160, for example, by stitching. Use of the tab 169may reduce structural damage to the pouch 160 during removal and/orreplacement of the first fixture 165. For example, removing stitchingfor a tab 169 with a snap fixture and introducing new stitching tosecure a replacement tab 169 having a hook and loop fastener can be lessdestructive than cutting to remove a snap fixture directly affixed tothe pouch 160. In some embodiments, the tab 169 is hingedly attached tothe pouch 160. For example, of the four edges of the tab 169 shown inFIG. 14, the tab 169 may be stitched along the bottom edge and unsecuredalong the other three edges.

A hingedly attached tab 169 can fold over or behind the attachmentmember 168 so that the first fixture 165 of the tab 169 can align forengagement with the second fixture 167 of the attachment member 168. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the attachment member 168is routed alternatingly through loops 166 of the pouch 160 and loops 171of a MOLLE-compatible support structure 175 mounted on a vest 20 orother garment (e.g., in order through loops 166A, 171A, 166B, and 171B).In this depicted example of FIG. 15, the hinged tab 169 (bearing thefirst fixture 165) is routed into the final loop 171B of theMOLLE-compatible support structure 175, allowing the first fixture 165to engage the second fixture 167 within that final loop 171B. This mayprovide greater versatility than an arrangement with the first fixture165 directly fixed to the pouch 160 (in which the final loop 171Botherwise may be an engagement-preventing obstruction between the firstfixture 165 and the second fixture 167).

Although FIG. 15 depicts the tab 169 as positioned between theattachment member 168 and the pouch 160, in some embodiments, the tab169 may fold over the end of the attachment member 168 to secure theattachment member 168 between the tab 169 and the pouch 160. Forexample, the tab 169 may include a first fixture 165 on a side thatfaces the pouch 160, and the first fixture 165 may engage a secondfixture 167 disposed on a side of the attachment member 168 that facesaway from the pouch 160. In some embodiments, the tab 169 and/or theattachment member 168 may include a fixture that can engage acomplementary fixture regardless of whether the complementary fixture isoriented facing toward or away from the pouch 160. As an illustrativeexample, FIGS. 14 and 15 depict the second fixture 167 as a hollow,grommet-like female snap that can receive a male snap (as the firstfixture 165) regardless of whether the male snap is on the side of thetab 169 that faces away from the pouch 160 (as shown) or on the side ofthe tab 169 that faces toward the pouch 160 (not shown). Other types offixtures may be utilized, including, but not limited to, hook and loopfasteners. In some embodiments, both sides of the tab 169 and theattachment member 168 may include fixtures such that a subset of thefixtures can engage each other regardless of whether the tab 169 isfolded over or behind the attachment member 168.

Although attachment loops 166 and 177 are described with respect to FIG.15, any appropriate MOLLE-compatible connection system can be used tosecure the pouch 160 to a garment. For example, the pouch 160 and thegarment could be joined via one or more stretchable web platforms 26(such as described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-5) attached to thepouch 160 and/or garment. Additionally or alternatively, the pouch 160and/or the garment may utilize attachment features such as disclosed inU.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/454,641, entitled“HEXAGONAL ATTACHMENT SYSTEM,” filed Aug. 7, 2014 (Attorney Docket No.93168-906586), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are respectively a front and a rear view of anunassembled and laid flat handle 150 of the handle and strap system 148,in accordance with embodiments. The handle 150 may be comprised of aloop of webbing. The loop can be formed by folding ends 151R and 151L ofthe webbing toward each other (e.g., along dashed lines 153L and 153R,moving ends 151R and 151L into the page with respect to FIG. 16 and outof the page with respect to FIG. 17) and then attaching the ends 151Rand 151L together (e.g., by stitching or heat sealing). Closures 154 a,154 b mounted on an outside of the webbing (as depicted in FIG. 16) maybe arranged so that they will respectively align with closures 156 a,156 b mounted on the pouch 160 (as depicted in FIG. 12) when the ends151R and 151L of the webbing have been joined to form the loop of handle150. The closures 154 and 156 can secure the handle 150 to the pouch 160when the handle 150 is in the storage position. For example, in theembodiment depicted in the drawings, the closures 154 and 156 may behook and loop fasteners arranged in such a fashion that the handle 150will lay substantially flat when attached to the pouch 160 in thestorage position (as shown in FIG. 13). In some aspects, the handle 150may include internal closures 155 a-d mounted on an inside of the handle150. The internal closures 155 a-155 d may be arranged so that they willrespectively align with other internal closures (e.g. 155 a with 155 b;155 c with 155 d) when the ends of the webbing are joined to form theloop of handle 150. Such internal closures 155 a-d can keep the loop ofthe handle 150 in a low-profile configuration or in a collapsed statewhen not in use, thereby reducing the chance of accidentally catchingthe loop of the handle 150 on items when the handle 150 is in thestorage position and not in use. Other arrangements are also possible,such as the closures 155 b and 155 c forming a single elongate strip forengaging either or both of the individual closures 155 a and 155 d.

In some aspects, the pouch 160 can also include a plurality of loops 178or other MOLLE-compatible attachment features on a front side of thepouch 160. For example, as depicted in FIG. 12, the front of the pouch160 may include a set of loops 178 arranged to match a pattern ofMOLLE-compatible loops on the garment so that the net number ofavailable rows or columns of MOLLE-mounting structure will not bediminished by attaching the pouch 160 to the garment. However, anynumber or type of attachment features may be included on either thefront side or rear side of the pouch 160, regardless of the particulararrangement of features used on the opposite side. For example, althoughthe pouch 160 is shown with two columns and four rows of loops 178 on afront side of the pouch 160, any other number of rows and/or columns (orany other type of attachment feature) could be utilized instead.

The handle and strap system 148 can be constructed with a number ofinternal components. For example, as best shown in FIG. 18, the handleand strap system 148 can include a front panel 180, a liner panel 182, arear panel 184, a strap webbing 186, a handle support board 188, and ahandle webbing 190. The liner panel 182 and the rear panel 184 can beformed from a folded panel (as shown) or provided as separate pieces.The strap webbing 186 can be attached between the liner panel 182 andthe rear panel 184, such as by one or more sets of bartack stitches orother reinforced stitching 192 passing through the front panel 180, thestrap webbing 186, and the rear panel 184. Reinforcing the strap webbing186 with the liner panel 182 and/or the rear panel 184 can increase astrength of attachment of the strap webbing 186 and enable the system148 to function at a high load capacity. The front panel 180 can beattached to liner panel 182, such as by heat sealing and/or stitchingsides and a bottom of the front panel 184. In some embodiments(including some embodiments in which the liner panel 182 and the rearpanel 184 are provided as separate pieces), the front panel 180 may beformed from a folded panel that includes the liner panel 182 or the rearpanel 184 on an opposite side of the fold from the front panel 180. Thefront panel 180 and the rear panel 184 can each include segments ofwebbing 194 (and/or other attached material) that are formed (e.g., bystitching) into loops and/or other attachment features (e.g., formingloops 178 of FIG. 12 and loops 166 of FIG. 14).

The handle webbing 190 is secured to the strap webbing 186. For example,the strap webbing 186 may include an end portion 196 folded over thehandle webbing 190. The end portion 196 may be attached to strap webbing186, such as by heat sealing and/or stitching. The support board 188 mayalso be included in between the strap webbing 186 and end portion 196.The support board 188 may form part of the reinforced section 162 (FIG.12) and provide additional rigidity useful for aligning the strap 152for returning to the stored position in the sleeve 158. The sleeve 158may be formed between the front panel 180 (FIG. 18) and the liner panel182. Attaching the strap webbing 186 with the liner panel 182 and/or therear panel 184 can also prevent the strap webbing 186 from inadvertentlyentering between layers other than the layers forming the sleeve 158.

FIGS. 8-11 show a plate retention system 70 for a vest, such as the vest20, in accordance with embodiments. The plate retention system 70 can beutilized, for example, in pockets on the front and/or back panels 22, 24of the vest 20. Such pockets are known, and typically include anopening, such as an opening 72 at the bottom of the front panel 22 (FIG.8). In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the opening 72 can include aclosure 74, such as hook and loop closures, for easy access. The pocketis generally designated by the reference numeral 76, and is generallythe inside region of a panel, such as the front panel 22, designed toreceive a plate.

In use, a wearer can install a plate in one of the front and or backpanels 22, 24. Such plates are known, and can be various sizes,depending upon the desire of the user and/or the needs for a particularassignment. In embodiments disclosed herein, the plate retention system70 is configured to securely mount plates of different sizes and anchorand/or center a plate in place in the pocket 76.

In embodiments, the plate retention system 70 includes two sets ofstraps, one each at the lower bottom corners of the pocket 72. In short,these sets of straps include straps that are configured to extend aroundthe bottom and sides of a plate inserted in the pocket and that attachto each other to push the plate to the center and top of the pocket 76.In this manner, the straps anchor the plate against the upper edge ofthe pocket, regardless of the size of the plate inserted. The straps canbe any material, such as webbing, and include attachment mechanisms,such as hook and loop material, that permit attachment to each other atvarious locations along their length. Variable attachment locationspermit anchoring of several different sizes of plates. The straps can beconnected at different points along their length so that plates ofvarious sizes can be accommodated. For each set, one strap extends underthe plate and one strap extends around a bottom side edge of the plate.The ends are connected by the hook and loop materials to anchor theplate in the center of the pocket against the top of the pocket.

Specific embodiments are shown in FIGS. 8-11. A first strap 80 of eachpair is positioned to extend horizontally, and is spaced from the bottomof the opening 72. The strap 80 is anchored at a first location 82spaced inward from the side edge of the pocket and upward from a bottomedge of the pocket.

A second strap 84 of each pair is positioned to extend vertically, andis also anchored at a position spaced inward from the side edge of thepocket and upward from a bottom edge of the pocket. In embodiments, thissecond strap 84 is also and anchored at the first location 82.

In embodiments, the first strap 80 is positioned so that, if any sizeplate that would typically be installed in the front panel 22 wereinstalled in the pocket of the front panel and pushed fully upwardagainst the top of the pocket, the bottom edge of the plate would extendbelow a bottom edge of the first strap 80. The length of the first strap80 is preferably sufficient so that, if the widest plate that fits intothe pocket were installed, the strap could double back along its lengthwhile extending around the outer edge of the plate. Thus, the firstlocation 82 would fall behind any size plate installed in the pocket 76.

The second strap 84 is positioned in a similar manner relative to thebottom and sides of the pocket 76. In an embodiment where the two strapsare anchored at the same location 82, the two locations for the two setsof straps are positioned to be located behind any size plate to bereceived in the pocket after the plate has been centered and pushed tothe top of the pocket.

To install a plate, such as the plate 90 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, thefasteners 74 are opened at the bottom of the pocket 76 at the opening72. The plate 90 is inserted into the pocket 76, centered in the pocket,and pressed upward against the top of the pocket. The ends of the twostrap 80, 84 are wrapped around the side and bottom of the plate,respectively, and then attached to each other, for example via hook andloop fasteners extending along the length of the straps 80, 84. As anexample, loop fastener material can be included on a front side of thestrap 84, and hook fastener material on the rear side of the strap 80.The strap 80 is then folded over first, with the strap 84 attached tothe strap 80. The straps 80, 84, if anchored at the same location 82,would be attached in the same vertical and horizontal position as thelocation 82 on the opposite side of the plate 90. If the straps areanchored at different locations, then the attachment would be variedbased on the size of the plate.

For a different size plate, such as the plate 100 shown in FIGS. 10-11,the straps are pulled more so as to appropriately anchor the plate. Thesystem can thus be used on many different sized plates, and can be usedto center the plate and position the plate upward. A plate could also bepositioned to one side by varying the straps, for example to move theplate away from an injury. In addition, the plate does not have to bepushed to the top of the pocket, but instead could be held by gravityagainst the attached straps. Additionally, a similar strap configurationcould be used at other locations in the pocket 76 (e.g., the top) topush the plate downward or in another desired direction.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof areshown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The terms “connected” and“attached” (or variations thereof) are to be construed as partly orwholly contained within or joined together, even if there is somethingintervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intendedto serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to eachseparate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicatedherein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specificationas if it were individually recited herein. All methods described hereincan be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated hereinor otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, isintended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention anddoes not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

All references, including publications, patent applications, andpatents, cited herein, including cited in the contemporaneously filedInformation Disclosure Statement, are hereby incorporated by referenceto the same extent as if each reference were individually andspecifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were setforth in its entirety herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly comprising: a pouch having aMOLLE-compatible support structure attached thereto configured forreleasably attaching the pouch to a load bearing garment, the pouchcomprising a sleeve; a strap having a first end and a second end, thefirst end anchored to the pouch; and a handle at the second end of thestrap; wherein the strap and the handle are configurable between (1) astorage configuration in which the strap is at least mostly received inthe sleeve and the handle is positioned adjacent to the pouch, and (2) adeployed configuration in which the handle is positioned away from thepouch and the strap is at least mostly pulled out of the sleeve, so thata rescuer can grasp the handle when the handle and the strap are thestorage configuration, pull the handle so that the strap and handle moveinto the deployed configuration, continue to pull the handle until thestrap is tensioned, and pull the handle to drag, via the tensionedstrap, a wearer of the load bearing garment when the pouch is releasablyattached to the load bearing garment via the MOLLE-compatible supportstructure.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the strap furthercomprises: a reinforced section proximal to the handle; and a flexiblesection distal to the handle, wherein the reinforced section isconfigured to slide through an opening of the sleeve to move theflexible section into the sleeve and change the strap from the deployedconfiguration to the storage configuration.
 3. The assembly of claim 2,wherein the handle comprises a loop and an internal set of hook and loopfasteners arranged on an inside of the loop so as to maintain the loopin a collapsed state when the internal set of hook and loop fastenersare engaged with one another.
 4. The assembly of claim 3, furthercomprising: an external set of hook and loop fasteners, a first part ofthe external set positioned on the pouch, a mating second part of theexternal set positioned on the handle and configured to engage the firstpart of the external so that the handle is secured to the pouch in thestorage configuration.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein theMOLLE-compatible support structure comprises a first MOLLE-compatiblesupport structure attached to a first side of the pouch, the assemblyfurther comprising a second MOLLE-compatible support structure attachedto a second side of said pouch opposite the first side.
 6. The assemblyof claim 5, further comprising: an attachment member comprising (i) asemi-rigid section of webbing configured to weave through features ofthe MOLLE-compatible support structure of the pouch and features of theload bearing garment so as to releasably attach the pouch to the loadbearing garment, and (ii) a first snap component at an end of theattachment member; a plastic rectangular ring positioned at a first endof the pouch and configured for aligning the attachment member forpassage through at least the features of the MOLLE-compatible supportstructure of the pouch; and a tab attached at a second end of the pouch,the flap comprising a second snap component configured to releasablyengage the first snap component on the attachment member.
 7. An assemblycomprising: a pouch having a support structure attached theretoconfigured for releasably attaching the pouch to a load bearing garment;a handle deployable from the pouch; a strap connecting the handle to thepouch; the strap configurable between (1) a storage configuration inwhich the strap is stowed relative to the pouch, and (2) a deployedconfiguration in which the strap is extended from the pouch so that arescuer can pull the handle to drag a wearer of the load bearing garmentwhen the pouch is releasably attached to the load bearing garment viathe support structure.
 8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the handlecomprises a loop.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the handlecomprises a set of internal closures arranged on an inside of the loopso as to maintain the loop in a collapsed state when the internalclosures are engaged with one another.
 10. The assembly of claim 7,further comprising: a first set of closures on the pouch; and a secondset of closures on the handle, the second set of closures configured toengage the first set of closures so that the handle is secured to thepouch in the storage configuration.
 11. The assembly of claim 7, whereinthe MOLLE-compatible support structure is attached to a first side ofthe pouch, the assembly further comprising a second MOLLE-compatiblesupport structure attached to a second side of said pouch opposite thefirst side.
 12. The assembly of claim 7, further comprising: anattachment member configured to weave through features of theMOLLE-compatible support structure of the pouch and features of the loadbearing garment so as to releasably attach the pouch to the load bearinggarment.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a guideattached to the pouch and configured for aligning the attachment memberfor passage through at least the features of the MOLLE-compatiblesupport structure of the pouch.
 14. The assembly of claim 12, furthercomprising: a tab attached to the pouch and comprising a first fixtureconfigured to engage a second fixture on the attachment member.
 15. Anassembly comprising: a front panel; a liner panel to which the frontpanel is attached; a rear panel; a strap webbing attached between theliner panel and the rear panel; a handle webbing attached to the strapwebbing; a MOLLE-compatible support structure attached to the rear paneland configured for releasably attachment to a load bearing garment; anda sleeve formed between the front panel and the liner panel, at least aportion of the strap webbing stowable in the sleeve and removable fromthe sleeve so that a rescuer can pull the handle to drag a wearer of theload bearing garment when the MOLLE-compatible support structure isreleasably attached to the load bearing garment.
 16. The assembly ofclaim 15, further comprising stitching through the liner panel, thestrap webbing, and the rear panel, wherein the strap webbing is attachedbetween the liner panel and the rear panel by the stitching.
 17. Theassembly of claim 15, wherein the strap webbing further comprises areinforced section formed by a first section of the strap webbing beingfolded over and attached to a second section of the strap webbing. 18.The assembly of claim 17, wherein the handle webbing is positionedbetween the first section of the strap webbing and the second section ofthe strap webbing.
 19. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the reinforcedsection further comprises a support board positioned between the firstsection of the strap webbing and the second section of the strapwebbing.
 20. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the MOLLE-compatiblesupport structure comprises a first MOLLE-compatible support structureattached to the rear panel, the assembly further comprising a secondMOLLE-compatible support structure attached to the front panel.